Trustee Shelley Laskin Weekly Updates

Monday, 17 October 2022

WEEK OF OCT. 17/22

HEALTH AND WELLNESS YOGA WEEK:

MONDAY (October 17 - 21) is the start of YOGA WEEK in Health & Wellness for ALL French and English classes, Grades 1-6. 

IF you have a YOGA mat, BRING IT. If not, I've got one for you...

Come dressed comfortably for yoga together.

Namaste,

Mrs. Sullada

EXTRA EDUCATION PROGRAMS POSTPONED: 

Further information with respect to clubs and start up dates will be shared some time later this week or next week. Thank you for your understanding. Stay tuned.

DIWALI AT DPS:

On Thursday, Oct. 20 and Friday, October 21 our students will have the opportunity to learn more about Diwali. Some parents have volunteered to visit classrooms and do a Diwali themed activity with our students  on Thursday and/or Friday. 

This year, Diwali falls on Monday, October 24. It's the first of the season's festivals of light. Read more from the Hindustan Times - The most significant and holy festival of Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is almost here. Hindus celebrate this auspicious festival to observe the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair. Diwali also marks the death of many demons like Narkasur by Lord Krishna, the arrival of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after killing Ravana, and Lord Vamana defeating Bali. People pray to Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali by performing the auspicious Lakshmi Puja at their homes and offices and ask the goddess to bless them with prosperity, happiness, peace and wealth. In most places in the country, Diwali is celebrated for five days. To all celebrating, Happy Diwali!

DAVISVILLE CROSS COUNTRY AT SUNNYBROOK:

On October 11th our Davisville Cross Country Team participated in a South Conference Qualifier Meet at Sunnybrook Park.  Our team consisted of students from Grades 2-6 who have been training 2-3 times a week over the last 3 weeks in preparation for the meet.  The Davisville Team consisted of a total of 120 student runners and multiple coaches.  Runners showed amazing resilience and perseverance throughout the season and they really displayed excellence at the meet!  We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather and amazing support from parents who came to help out or just cheer our team on!  Huge thanks goes to our coaches: Ms. Harnick, Ms. Harte, Mr. Ross, Ms. Bottos and Ms. Francesca.  Thank you to Mme. Rogers and Mme Gibson for all of your help and support with the practices and with the team and thank you as well to the parent volunteers (Marnie McBean and Beata Strzyzewska) who helped along the cross country course that day.   

We are proud to announce that Davisville has 8 runners competing in the City Finals on Friday, Oct. 21.

Congratulations to: Owen, Vidhyjut, Clark, Sophia, Lucia, Zoe, Ignatije, and Kuba who have advanced to the City Finals. Go Dragons Go!!

DAVISVILLE COMMUNITY AND AQUATIC CENTRE:

The following link is the City website for the Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre project: 

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/construction-new-facilities/new-parks-facilities/davisville-aquatic-community-recreation-centre/

CENTRAL STUDENT INTEREST PROGRAMS-MORE UPDATES:

Admissions to Central Student Interest Programs

When the Board voted to improve access to specialized schools and programs at our meeting in May, Chair Alexander Brown articulated the why - “It is our responsibility to take action to improve access for all students where we identify systemic barriers. This new policy will ensure a greater number of students have access to these high quality programs and schools while reducing barriers that have long-prevented many students from even applying.” 

Central Staff continue to work with school teams and the various programs to collaboratively set the admission criteria for each program.

The following programs have finalized application details and are now available online:

Program webpages will continue to be updated as soon as application details are finalized in the coming weeks.

The secondary central student interest program website contains a Google calendar highlighting all of the program open houses during November. Other important dates include:

  • November 1, 2022 - Grade 8 to 9 Information Webinar 
  • November 3, 2022 - Student Interest Programs Webinar 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.(elementary and secondary)
  • November 7, 2022  - Central student interest programs Online Application opens
  • November 25, 202 - Central student interest programs Online Application closes (4:00 p.m.) 
     
    Virtual Support Sessions are available via Zoom:

Parents as Partners Logo

PARENTS AS PARTNERS HYBRID CONFERENCE 2022:

Registration is now open for #TDSB's Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference!

Join us on October 22 and 23, 2022 to learn strategies to support your child, to connect with experts and other parents, and to hear our inspiring keynotes. Find all of the details at http://www.parentsaspartners.ca/
 

CLAUDE WATSON ARTS PROGRAM FOR GRADE 8 STUDENTS 2023-2024:



Greetings!

The Claude Watson Arts Program is committed to championing artists who demonstrate passion in their pursuit of excellence in the arts.

Above is our Open House flyer for grade 8 students interested in focusing on Dance, Drama, Film, Music or Visual Arts at Earl Haig S.S. 

Please register here. https://forms.gle/goTQLZJTANt7jYdy9

 Students, family and friends are invited to attend our IN PERSON OPEN HOUSE on Thursday, November 10th at 6:00 PM.

 For application and audition information please visit our website at www.claudewatson.ca

Applications are due November 25th at 4:00 PM

Thank you

 Tara Lee Blight, Hon B.F.A., B. Ed, M.F.A

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Artistic Director 

Claude Watson Secondary Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School 

100 Princess Avenue

North York, ON M2N 3R7

416-395-3824 x20137

www.claudewatson.ca

 IN-PERSON OPEN HOUSE on Thursday, November 10th at 6:00 PM

 Applications are available on the TDSB website www.tdsb.on.ca

Due: November 25th 

DPS and SPECTRUM HYPERLINKS DOCUMENT: Please make reference to the following document for frequently visited and up-to-date weblinks for Davisville and TDSB. Included is the Safe Arrivals phone number when your child is sick/absent and also the Early Pick-up/

School Bus Delays/Cancellations: 

Please Call School Messenger directly 1-833-250-2290, between (7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to report child(ren’s)absence for the current day or future date. If you do not report your child(ren’s) absence(s) prior to the start of school day you will be contacted by School Messenger and you must indicate the reason for the absence. Please respond to safe arrival calls. The telephone number 833-250-2290 will display on the caller ID.
Sign out GForm to be completed by 12:00 the day of for your child/children's pickup for appointments. 
TDSB website reporting delays or bus cancellations: TSTG
Davisville Spiritwear:
To order Davisville spiritwear check school cashonline, visit  davisvillepublicschool.entripyshops.com

School Trustee's Weekly Newsletter - Ward 8:
  • For updates regarding topics affecting the TDSB, please subscribe to Shelley Laskin's weekly newsletter.

 


Tuesday, 11 October 2022

WEEK OF OCT. 10/22

Davisville Curriculum Night: Thursday, October 13

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Parent Council will be in the Dragons' Den (atrium) to greet parents from 6 PM.

You are invited to a special self-guided school tour/scavenger hunt sponsored and organized by School Council.  Scavenger hunt winners will get cool Davisville Swag for their children!

6:30 Presentation in gym
7:00-7:20-Classroom presentation Session 1 and 7:25-7:45 Classroom presentation Session 2
(We are holding 2 sessions to accommodate parents/caregivers with multiple children.

Pizza Lunch - Starting October 21 - ORDER by October 14th:

 Pizza lunch is available for purchase this week on School Cashonline.  You must order by Friday, October 14 to receive pizza on October 21.


There will be the traditional options: Cheese, Pepperoni, or a combo slices of Cheese & Pepperoni and new: Dairy-less cheese.  We will also have a snack for the students as well.  

You will also be able to order for the full school year (School day Fridays in October - June), or by term: October - December.

We want to make sure that financial considerations do not impede any child from receiving pizza.  Please contact Principal David or Vice-Principal Wanda and we will make sure that anyone who wants pizza receives pizza.

School Cash Online:

SchoolCash online is an easy to use, safe and convenient way for parents & guardians to pay for their children’s school fees, including class trips, and pizza lunches.

How does School Cash Online work?

All school fees applicable to your child will be posted on School Cash Online. Once you register, you can choose to purchase the items or activities using a debit or credit card. You will be able to see when the school has a new item posted online for purchase and you also have the option to be notified whenever your child has a new school event requiring payment.

If you have not done so, please find some additional information, including How to registerhttps://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/School-Cash-Online

TDSB Early French Immersion (Junior Kindergarten Entry) Application Deadline: 

The application to the Early French Immersion program will remain an online process. The application period runs from October 31 and November 25, 2022. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student.

Please see the following poster that contains Early French Immersion Application Poster

Visit the TDSB website for more information about Early French Immersion, Virtual & In-Person Information Sessions or the Application Process.

TDSB Central Student Interest Programs Updates:

Admissions to Central Student Interest Programs

When the Board voted to improve access to specialized schools and programs at our meeting in May, Chair Alexander Brown articulated the why - “It is our responsibility to take action to improve access for all students where we identify systemic barriers. This new policy will ensure a greater number of students have access to these high quality programs and schools while reducing barriers that have long-prevented many students from even applying.” 

As outlined in last week's update, all programs, including the Arts will be moving forward with consistent, interest-based admissions criteria in November 2022 for the 2023-24 school year. Central Staff have been working with school teams and the various programs to collaboratively set the admission criteria for each program. Applications for central student interest programs (e.g. Arts, International Baccalaureate) open on November 7, 2022 and close on November 25 at 4:00 p.m. 

The following programs have finalized their application details and are now available online:

Program webpages will continue to be updated as soon as application details are finalized in the coming weeks.

Arts Program Structure - Program structure is the way the program is organized with courses and key areas of focus, such as dance or performing arts. In secondary arts programs, each school has its own unique structure. To provide more access to programming to students in the areas where applications are higher, arts schools are reviewing and revising their program structures to provide greater flexibility and choice. Additionally, schools are considering new course offerings to further enhance the dynamic and engaging experience for students and ensure that a variety of students see themselves reflected in the curriculum.

Longstanding structures take time to change and secondary arts schools have been offered an additional year to address these complex changes to ensure that the work is successful.

While some schools will be prepared to share their new program structure with students and parents/caregivers/guardians this fall, other Arts-focused schools are still in the early stages of this work and will develop their program structure over the course of this school year for implementation in 2024-25.

During this school year, Senior Staff will continue to focus on collaborating with teachers, administrators, superintendents and central staff to manage these changes as effectively as possible while working towards full implementation of this component of the policy. Together, we will work to build culturally affirming and responsive, inclusive, modern, and high-caliber programs with equitable access and outcomes so that all TDSB students feel they belong and are successful.

Preparing for High School Information Sessions for Grade 8 Families:

To support our Grade 8 students and families, the TDSB will be hosting a series of Preparing for High School Information Sessions. Students and families from any grade are welcome to attend. The series includes:

The Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transition Information Session, taking place on November 1, 2022,  will share the Top 10 Tips and Considerations in the Transition to High School. This presentation is designed to augment the work already taking place through secondary open houses and at the Grade 8 schools. 

The Student Interest Programs Information Session, taking place on November 3, 2022, will help students and families learn more about local programs, Facilitated Access to Skilled Trades programs, out-of-area admissions and applying to centralized programs and schools, including:

  • Arts Focus Programs/Schools (elementary and secondary)
  • CyberARTS Programs (elementary and secondary)
  • Elite Athlete Programs (elementary and secondary)
  • Integrated Technology School
  • International Baccalaureate Programs
  • Leadership Pathway Program
  • Math, Science & Technology Programs

To further support students and families with the application process, central TDSB staff will be hosting three (3) Centralized Program Admissions Support Sessions to answer any questions that students or families may have when completing the Centralized Program Application. Live, online support will be available on the following dates:

  • November 8 - 4:00pm – 5:30pm (LINK)
  • November 15 - 7:00pm – 8:30pm (LINK)
  • November 24 - 4:00pm – 5:30pm (LINK)

The Virtual Secondary Alternative Schools Fair, taking place on November 9, 2022, will introduce families to the Alternative schools in the board that offer Grade 9 to 12 programming. Alternative schools are highly engaged, smaller school environments. They use non-traditional hands-on approaches to learning. Each school has a distinct identity and focus, such as democratic education, holistic learning, physical art, mindful living, entrepreneurship, social justice, community outreach and more. These schools are ideal for students seeking an alternative to mainstream education and who want to take an active role in their own learning. 

Webinar Details:

The Preparing For High Schools Series webinar details, including the link to register and request an interpreter, can be found here. Additionally, families can join the webinar link via Zoom or via the Parent & Community Engagement Office YouTube channel

Resources:

TDSB Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference 2022: 

The TDSB’s Parents and Caregivers as Partners conference is scheduled for Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2022! This year, you can attend the conference virtually and also join pre-conference sessions in person. This year’s conference has 3 themes of Affirming, Belonging and Connecting.
DPS and SPECTRUM HYPERLINKS DOCUMENT: Please make reference to the following document for frequently visited and up-to-date weblinks for Davisville and TDSB. Included is the Safe Arrivals phone number when your child is sick/absent and also the Early Pick-up/

School Bus Delays/Cancellations: 

Please Call School Messenger directly 1-833-250-2290, between (7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to report child(ren’s)absence for the current day or future date. If you do not report your child(ren’s) absence(s) prior to the start of school day you will be contacted by School Messenger and you must indicate the reason for the absence. Please respond to safe arrival calls. The telephone number 833-250-2290 will display on the caller ID.
Sign out GForm to be completed by 12:00 the day of for your child/children's pickup for appointments. 
TDSB website reporting delays or bus cancellations: TSTG
Davisville Spiritwear:
To order Davisville spiritwear check school cashonline, visit  davisvillepublicschool.entripyshops.com

School Trustee's Weekly Newsletter - Ward 8:
  • For updates regarding topics affecting the TDSB, please subscribe to Shelley Laskin's weekly newsletter.

Monday, 3 October 2022

WEEK OF OCT 3/22

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2022:
Photo day is Monday. Students will be taking individual and class photos.

FIRST PARENT COUNCIL MEETING REMINDER: TODAY, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2022
It’s a new year which means a new Council, new friends and new ideas! We will be joined by some of our amazing educators as well.  
WE ARE TALKING ABOUT:
Your questions and concerns
Acclaiming the new council 
Setting meeting dates for the new council
Our new playground 
Upcoming events for you and your kids
Please join us. Your voice is needed as we want to ensure we are hearing everyone, and being relevant for all.
 
If you have questions or want to bring something up at Council, don’t hesitate to reach out to council@davisvilleparents.com.
 
MONDAY OCT 3, 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm -    https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/93016788975?pwd=SW5YM0ZMQVJMMHNpdndhMWpqdi8rUT09

REMINDER-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2022: PA DAY  No school for students.

SAVE THE DATE-DAVISVILLE TERRY FOX RUN/WALK/ROLL:
The  Terry Fox Run/Walk/Roll will take place the morning of Thursday October the 6th.   
Kindergarten will use the track on the turf between 9:35 - 10:00am
Gr 1-6 students will do a lap on the neighbourhood streets between 10:30 and 11:15am
This is our Davisville Donation page link: https://schools.terryfox.ca/14648  (we already have $100!)
Thank you for your support.

DAVISVILLE CROSS COUNTRY MEET: OCTOBER 11/22

To all families who have a child that is competing in the South Conference Cross Country meet as part of the Davisville Cross Country Team: Please note that the meet takes place at Sunnybrook Park on Tuesday October the 11th.  Students will travel via TDSB bus to and from the meet.   Please encourage your child to train on their own over the weekend!! 

Thank you, Davisville Cross Country Coaches

LOST AND FOUND:
New this year, we are going to place Lost & Found items outside (weather permitting) of Door 4 on the last Friday of every month,  Items not collected will be donated such that they may find a new home. Otherwise, lost and found items are located inside Door 4.

PIZZA LUNCH:
If you are a new family to Davisville, please register for School Cash Online. Pizza lunch will be available for purchase by the end of the week ending Oct 7/22.
The Toronto District School Board has School Cash Online, an easy to use, safe and convenient way for parents/guardians to pay for their children’s school fees, pizza lunches or class trips.
Once you register, you can choose to purchase the items or activities using a debit or credit card. You will be able to see when the school has a new item posted online for purchase and you will also have the option to be notified whenever your child has a new school event requiring payment.
To register/sign in for School Cash Online, please visit https://tdsb.schoolcashonline.com select “Register” and complete the four registration steps or “Sign In” if you already have an account. Once registered, you will receive an email notification when items become available online.
If you have questions about the registration process or using School Cash Online, please select Read More or visit   https://tdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Support  

Mental Illness Awareness Week:

Today marks the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2022 (#MIAW22) in Canada. Mental Illness Awareness Week was established in 1990 recognition of efforts by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to educate and increase awareness about mental illness. Even when experiencing a mental illness, it is possible to feel mentally well. There is so much important learning to do as we work together to #BreakTheStigma around mental illness. Helpful information can be found at School Mental Health Ontario. This is a reminder that there is no health without #MentalHealth. Let's #GetReal about how to help. Today & every day, it's important to take care of yourself & seek support if you need it. For more information, please click on https://www.mentalhealthweek.ca/.

For Mental Health and Wellness supports and resources click 
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Elementary-School/Supporting-You/Mental-Health-and-Well-Being-Professional-Support-Staff-PSS

Somali Heritage Month at the TDSB - October 2022:
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes Somali Heritage Month during the month of October. The TDSB has been marking Somali Heritage Month since June 2016, and we continue to expand on the selected theme Educate. Elevate. Excel. In October 2020, the Government of Ontario proclaimed Somali Heritage Week Act, 2020 which will take place on June 25 through July 1. Please follow on Twitter for daily messages throughout the month of October: SomaliHM@TDSB

Islamic Heritage Month at the TDSB - October 2022:

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes Islamic Heritage Month (IHM) during the month of October. This recognition follows the motion passed by the Board of Trustees on June 22, 2016.  Our main theme for the month is Reflect. Celebrate. Learn. Islamic Heritage Month has been recognized across Canada in different ways since October 2007.  In November 2016, the Province of Ontario established October as Islamic History Month through the Islamic Heritage Month Act. The 2022 Islamic Heritage Month poster highlights some of the important contributions that Muslims have made to the world throughout history. The poster includes an image of an Astrolabe, which was used to tell time, calculate the sunset and sunrise, and helped individuals to navigate on land and sea. The TDSB Islamic Heritage Month Resource Guidebook (2021) was updated last year and continues to be an important resource in relation to teaching and learning about Muslim identities. For support in using this resource, please click here. Please follow on Twitter: @tdsb_ihm 

DPS and SPECTRUM HYPERLINKS DOCUMENT: Please make reference to the following document for frequently visited and up-to-date weblinks for Davisville and TDSB. Included is the Safe Arrivals phone number when your child is sick/absent and also the Early Pick-up/

School Bus Delays/Cancellations: 

Please Call School Messenger directly 1-833-250-2290, between (7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to report child(ren’s)absence for the current day or future date. If you do not report your child(ren’s) absence(s) prior to the start of school day you will be contacted by School Messenger and you must indicate the reason for the absence. Please respond to safe arrival calls. The telephone number 833-250-2290 will display on the caller ID.
Sign out GForm to be completed by 12:00 the day of for your child/children's pickup for appointments. 
TDSB website reporting delays or bus cancellations: TSTG
Davisville Spiritwear:
To order Davisville spiritwear check school cashonline, visit  davisvillepublicschool.entripyshops.com

School Trustee's Weekly Newsletter - Ward 8:
  • For updates regarding topics affecting the TDSB, please subscribe to Shelley Laskin's weekly newsletter.

Monday, 26 September 2022

WEEK OF SEPT. 26/22

CELEBRATING ROSH HASHANAH:
From the evening of September 25 to September 27, students, staff, and the TDSB community are celebrating Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah, the first of the Jewish High Holy Days, honours the Jewish New Year. It is a time of reflection, self-awareness, and forgiveness. 
May your New Year bring you peace, health, and happiness.

CELEBRATING SHARAD NAVRATRI:

Sharad Navratri is the nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Mother Goddess Durga and her numerous forms in Hindu religion. Sharad Navratri 2022 dates are from September 26 to October 4, 2022 in India as per Hindu Calendar. The festival is of great importance as it is the most significant festival dedicated to Mother Goddess in Hinduism. To all those celebrating, may the nine days and nine nights of Navratri bring your good health and fortune.

TDSB RECOGNIZES ORANGE SHIRT DAY ON SEPT. 30/22:
Friday, September 30th is both Orange Shirt Day and the second annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday.
Established in 2013, Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, who was excited to wear her new orange shirt to her first day of school in 1973. However, when she arrived at St. Joseph Mission Residential School, her shirt was taken and never returned. From that day forward, the colour orange, for Phyllis, “reminded me of that [moment] and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.”
Now, on this day, we recognize the legacy of the residential school system for First Nations, Métis and Inuit families and communities.
 
We acknowledge the legacy of residential schools in Canada by wearing orange and we honour the survivors. We remember the thousands of children who were murdered and buried in unmarked graves.  
 
On Friday, September 30, 2022 wear orange to participate in Orange Shirt Day.  
Follow @UIEC_tdsb and @tdsb on Twitter and use the hashtag #OrangeShirtDay to see how students and staff from across the Toronto District School Board recognize Orange Shirt Day. 

DPS AND SA PHOTO DAY: MONDAY, OCTOBER 3:
Please see the following document to help prepare for your child's upcoming Photo Day Info .

CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH INFORMATION:

I hope the school year is off to a great start for you and your family!
 We are pleased to announce our Virtual Programs for the fall. These programs will run for 9 weeks -September 26th - December 1st (no classes the week of Oct. 10-14)
Teacher Candidates from York University/Glendon College will lead these programs to support FSL students in our community.  
Classes are small so that all participants have lots of opportunities to speak French! For program descriptions Virtual Programs - Canadian Parents for French - Ontario (cpf.ca)
Register before September 23rd. Registration is on a first come first served basis and limited to 10 students per class. Each class is 45 minutes, held on zoom 
If you know of families who might like to participate, please encourage them to join CPF at on.cpf.ca
Join or Renew Your Membership - Canadian Parents for French - National (cpf.ca)
If you have any questions, please email our Chapter at  CPF.TorontoEast@gmail.com
A big thank you to CPF Program Development Manager Rosemary Sutherland and Program Coordinator Rachel Nazareth for their outstanding support for our chapter. 
Warm regards,
Charles Zhu
President - CPF Toronto East Chapter

DPS and SPECTRUM HYPERLINKS DOCUMENT: Please make reference to the following document for frequently visited and up-to-date weblinks for Davisville and TDSB. Included is the Safe Arrivals phone number when your child is sick/absent and also the Early Pick-up/

School Bus Delays/Cancellations: 

Please Call School Messenger directly 1-833-250-2290, between (7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to report child(ren’s)absence for the current day or future date. If you do not report your child(ren’s) absence(s) prior to the start of school day you will be contacted by School Messenger and you must indicate the reason for the absence. Please respond to safe arrival calls. The telephone number 833-250-2290 will display on the caller ID.
Sign out GForm to be completed by 12:00 the day of for your child/children's pickup for appointments. 
TDSB website reporting delays or bus cancellations: TSTG
Davisville Spiritwear:
To order Davisville spiritwear check school cashonline, visit  davisvillepublicschool.entripyshops.com
School Trustee's Weekly Newsletter - Ward 8:
  • For updates regarding topics affecting the TDSB, please subscribe to Shelley Laskin's weekly newsletter.

Monday, 19 September 2022

DPS/SA BLOG WEEK OF SEPT 19/22

Hello,
Welcome back to our blog. Below you will find some information and also links which may be helpful to your families.

DPS and SPECTRUM HYPERLINKS DOCUMENT: Please make reference to the following document for frequently visited and up-to-date weblinks for Davisville and TDSB. Included is the Safe Arrivals phone number when your child is sick/absent and also the Early Pick-up/
Sign out GForm to be completed by 12:00 the day of for your child/children's pickup for appointments. 

TDSB Parent Concern Protocol: Please review the following chart which outlines the Parent Concern Protocol  If you have specific questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Davisville and Spectrum Alternative Principal David Finkelstein, david.finkelstein@tdsb.on.ca

School Reorganization:

In late spring of every year, the TDSB plans for the number of students expected to attend school the following September. We then allocate the number of teachers required for each school and class, based on projected enrolment. The number of teachers required in each school and class is primarily determined by class size limits as per Regulations in the Education Act or through Collective Agreements. The Ministry of Education (EDU) class size regulations involve caps from JK- grade 3 and a board-wide average of 24.5 in grades 4 to 8 and 28.0 in grades 9 to 12. 

It is challenging to project staffing allocation needs for our schools six months in advance and before students are in schools for the year. For this reason, the annual administrative holdback for 2022-23 school year is 3.0% for each of the following school-based staff: Elementary Teachers, Secondary Teachers, and Designated Early Child Educator. The holdback will not be released until enrolment projections are realized in September and students are in the learning mode of their choice.

At the beginning of each new school year, schools review the actual number of students attending schools and in each class, and the number of teachers who were allocated to each school. This year, the count date is on Monday, September 19 - after this date schools will be provided with an understanding of system reorganization and will inform affected classes as soon as possible. In cases where a school has more teachers than required by its enrolment, teachers are reassigned to different schools. This is a very important process because there are significant financial implications for the TDSB when classes are not organized efficiently and there are more teachers than required in our schools. For example, every 100 extra teachers would cost the TDSB approximately $10.5 million above and beyond the funding from the Ministry of Education. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through reorganization.

COVID-19 Reporting:
The Ministry of Education no longer requires COVID-19 cases or absences to be reported to them or shared publicly by school boards. Guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical  Officer of Health is that students and staff are to stay home with any symptoms, regardless of whether they take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test, or not. Public health officials also advise that COVID-19 cases, which are no longer required to be reported to schools, are not an accurate indicator of the presence or prevalence of COVID-19 in a particular class or school. 
As with all illnesses, Principals will continue to monitor their school and, together with the Superintendent of Education and Occupational Health and Safety, will share any concerns with Toronto Public Health, who can advise on next steps, if any.” 

It is also recommended that students, staff and visitors continue to complete a daily self-screening questionnaire. The TPH has updated their screener as of September 6, 2022.

Key message remains - stay home if you are sick. Stay home until you have no fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if nausea/vomiting/diarrhea). Anyone who is feeling sick or has any new or worsening symptoms of illness, including those not listed in their screening tool, should stay home until their symptoms are improving and seek assessment from their health care provider if needed.

In addition TPH recommends following extra measures including wearing a well-fitted mask in all public settings (including schools/child care, unless <2 years of age).for 10 days after the start of symptoms OR a positive COVID-19 test (whichever came first) OR for 10 days after your last close contact with a person who has symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test.

Toronto Public Health Screening Tool Graphic

Please visit the  TDSB HEALTH AND SAFETY website to find up-to-date information.


Mental Health and Well Being Supports:

The TDSB continues to prioritize mental health and well-being and, especially supporting the transition back to school. Resources and tools are available for parents/guardians and students on TDSB’s public website. The website includes a system calendar which highlights upcoming events to support our community including webinars, virtual drop-in hours and more. Culturally responsive and relevant resources, mental health toolkits, grief and loss resources and virtual heritage and culturally responsive lounges are also available.

School Bus Delays/Cancellations: 
TDSB website reporting delays or bus cancellations: TSTG
Davisville Spiritwear:

Please Call School Messenger directly 1-833-250-2290, between (7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to report child(ren’s)absence for the current day or future date. If you do not report your child(ren’s) absence(s) prior to the start of school day you will be contacted by School Messenger and you must indicate the reason for the absence. Please respond to safe arrival calls. The telephone number 833-250-2290 will display on the caller ID.

To order Davisville spiritwear check school cashonline, visit  davisvillepublicschool.entripyshops.com

School Trustee's Weekly Newsletter - Ward 8:

  • For updates regarding topics affecting the TDSB, please subscribe to Shelley Laskin's weekly newsletter.